Blowing the alarm on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I really hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.

"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization works to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."